Siem Reap exists because of Angkor Wat, but it has grown into a destination that deserves more than a rushed two-day temple visit. The town has evolved dramatically over the past decade: world-class hotels, a thriving culinary scene, and a creative energy driven by young Cambodians who are reshaping their city's identity. Where to stay in Siem Reap depends on whether you want to be in the action or retreat to a private compound between temple runs.
The town is compact enough that location matters less here than in sprawling cities like Bangkok or Manila. Everywhere in central Siem Reap is within a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride of everywhere else. But the different areas still have distinct personalities, and choosing the right one enhances your experience.
Old Market Area (Psar Chas): The Social Heart
The streets surrounding the Old Market form Siem Reap's tourist hub. Pub Street, the night market, and the densest concentration of restaurants, bars, and shops radiate from here. The Siem Reap River runs through the middle, lined with trees and pedestrian paths.
Why Stay Here
Walking distance to everything. You can stumble back from dinner without needing a tuk-tuk, browse the night market after drinks, and find breakfast within a two-minute walk regardless of which direction you head. The area has gentrified significantly -- alongside the backpacker bars on Pub Street, you will now find cocktail lounges, contemporary Khmer restaurants, and gallery spaces.
Best Hotels in the Old Market Area
**Park Hyatt Siem Reap** is the area's luxury anchor, set in an elegant colonial-inspired building just steps from the Old Market. The courtyard pool is an oasis of calm, and the rooms blend Khmer design motifs with contemporary comfort. Rates from USD 280/night.
On our platform, the Park Hyatt consistently ranks among the top hotels in Cambodia, scoring highly for service, location, and dining. We typically see the best rates on Hyatt's direct booking site, which includes World of Hyatt points and occasional member-exclusive discounts.
**Viroth's Hotel** is one of Southeast Asia's great boutique hotel success stories. Cambodian-owned and operated, it delivers a luxury experience that rivals international brands at a fraction of the price. Rooms from USD 120/night, with a stunning pool, impeccable service, and a restaurant (Viroth's) that is one of the best in town.
**Jaya House River Park** occupies a quiet riverside position with a strong sustainability focus and one of Siem Reap's most beautiful pools. Rooms from USD 150/night, including airport transfers and daily massages -- a remarkable all-in value.
**For budget**: **Onederz Hostel** has private rooms from USD 15/night near Pub Street. **Golden Temple Residences** offers clean, comfortable rooms with a pool from USD 25/night.
Who Should Stay in the Old Market Area
First-time visitors, solo travellers, socializers, food lovers, and anyone who wants to walk to restaurants and bars.
The Drawback
Pub Street can be noisy until late, especially on weekends. If you are a light sleeper, choose a hotel on the quieter side streets rather than directly on Pub Street or the main bar strip.
Sivatha Boulevard and Central Siem Reap
Running north from the Old Market area, Sivatha Boulevard is Siem Reap's main commercial street. It is less tourist-oriented than the Old Market zone, with local shops, markets, and cafes alongside international hotels.
Why Stay Here
Sivatha Boulevard puts you close enough to the Old Market action (5-10 minute walk) while offering a slightly more local atmosphere. Hotels here tend to be newer and more spacious, often with larger pools and more greenery, at lower prices than the Old Market core.
Best Hotels on/near Sivatha Boulevard
**Shinta Mani Angkor** is a design-led boutique hotel from hospitality legend Bill Bensley. The original Shinta Mani property (distinct from the ultra-luxury Shinta Mani Wild) offers beautifully designed rooms from USD 130/night, with a social enterprise ethos that directs profits toward community development.
**Anantara Angkor Resort** brings the Thai luxury brand's signature style to a tranquil compound with spacious suites from USD 180/night. The spa programme draws on Khmer healing traditions.
**FCC Angkor by Avani** occupies the former Foreign Correspondents' Club building, blending journalism heritage with contemporary design. Rooms from USD 100/night with a great pool and bar.
Who Should Stay Here
Travellers who want a balance of access and tranquillity, mid-range luxury seekers, and those who prefer newer hotel properties.
Charles de Gaulle Boulevard: The Temple Road
Charles de Gaulle Boulevard runs northwest from the centre directly to the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance. Hotels here are positioned for easy temple access, with many offering sunrise shuttle services.
Why Stay Here
If temples are your primary focus, staying on or near Charles de Gaulle Boulevard minimises your commute. Several properties here also occupy larger grounds, giving a resort-like feel that the compact Old Market hotels cannot match.
Best Hotels on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard
**Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort** is the area's biggest full-service resort, with a massive pool complex, golf course, and multiple restaurants. Rooms from USD 150/night -- strong value for a Sofitel property.
**Le Meridien Angkor** offers a dependable Marriott-brand experience from USD 120/night.
**Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa** channels French Indochina aesthetics with a lakeside setting from USD 100/night.
Who Should Stay Here
Temple-focused visitors, golfers, resort lovers, and families who want space and pools.
The Outer Resort Zone: Ultra-Luxury Seclusion
Beyond the town centre, a handful of extraordinary hotels offer a completely different Siem Reap experience. These properties are destination hotels -- places where the hotel itself is a significant part of the reason you visit.
Best Hotels in the Outer Zone
**Amansara** is one of the most exclusive hotels in Southeast Asia. Originally built as a guesthouse for King Sihanouk's VIP guests, it was reimagined by Aman Resorts into a 24-suite sanctuary. Private temple tours in vintage Mercedes sedans, candlelit dinners at Angkor Wat, and a level of personalisation that is almost unmatched. Suites from USD 1,200/night. If budget allows, this is the definitive Siem Reap luxury experience.
**Shinta Mani Wild** (Bill Bensley's second Siem Reap creation) is a tented camp accessible only by zipline, located in a wildlife corridor south of the Angkor temples. From USD 1,500/night all-inclusive, it is one of the most unique hotel experiences in the world.
**Phum Baitang** (now managed by Zannier Hotels) recreates a traditional Cambodian village across 8 hectares of rice paddies. Stilted villas with private pools start from USD 350/night. The farm-to-table dining programme is exceptional.
Who Should Stay in the Outer Zone
Luxury travellers seeking seclusion, honeymooners, repeat visitors who want a different perspective, and anyone willing to trade walkability for an extraordinary hotel experience.
Wat Bo Village: The Quiet Cultural Enclave
East of the river, the Wat Bo area is a peaceful residential neighbourhood that has attracted a cluster of excellent boutique hotels and restaurants. Named after the 18th-century Wat Bo pagoda (known for its mural paintings), the area offers a genuinely local Siem Reap experience just 10 minutes by foot from the Old Market.
Best Hotels in Wat Bo
**Sala Lodges** is a collection of traditional Khmer wooden houses relocated and restored into a boutique hotel compound. Each "lodge" is unique, furnished with local crafts and antiques. From USD 90/night, it is one of the most characterful stays in Cambodia.
**Treeline Urban Resort** is a newer property with a striking contemporary design that references Angkorian geometry. Rooftop pool with temple views, excellent restaurant, and rooms from USD 130/night.
Who Should Stay in Wat Bo
Travellers who want neighbourhood authenticity with boutique comfort, couples, and those who enjoy morning walks through local markets and pagodas.
Practical Tips for Siem Reap Hotels
Getting Around Tuk-tuks are the standard transport. Most hotels can arrange a driver for the day (USD 15-25 for temple circuits). Grab is available but less dominant than in other Southeast Asian cities. Many central hotels offer free bicycle rentals.
Temple Logistics Angkor Archaeological Park is about 7km from the town centre. Most hotels offer sunrise shuttles (departing around 4:45am). Buy your temple pass the afternoon before at the ticket office on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard -- it is valid from 5pm on the day of purchase, giving you a free sunset at Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng.
Best Time to Visit November to February is peak season -- cooler temperatures and clear skies, but also the highest prices and biggest crowds. March to May is brutally hot but uncrowded. June to October brings the rains, which make the temples more atmospheric (moats full, jungle lush) and drop hotel rates by 30-50%.
Price Comparison Siem Reap hotel pricing varies significantly between platforms. We have found Agoda typically offers the strongest rates for local Cambodian-owned properties, while Booking.com often wins for international chains. Check our [Siem Reap hotel comparison page](/best-hotels/siem-reap) for real-time pricing across all major platforms.
Our Verdict
For most visitors, the **Old Market area** is the best base. It puts restaurants, bars, and the town's energy at your doorstep, with temples just a short tuk-tuk ride away. If luxury seclusion is your priority and budget permits, **Amansara** or **Phum Baitang** in the outer zone offer transformative experiences you will not find elsewhere.
Siem Reap rewards longer stays more than most temple towns. Three nights is the minimum; five lets you explore beyond Angkor Wat to remote temples like Beng Mealea and Koh Ker while still having downtime to enjoy the town itself. Explore our full [Siem Reap destination guide](/destinations/siem-reap) for more trip-planning resources.
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